As the Atlanta Falcons proved one day later, getting into field-goal range isn't always so much about time as it is execution. In theory, the Broncos hired Manning for just such a moment, and the quarterback had the weapons to quickly move downfield.

Fox added in his news comference that he would call for a kneel-down 10 times out of 10 in the same situation, via Lindsay Jones of USA TODAY Sports. Broncos CEO John Elway backed his coach, saying he thought it was a "good move" to regroup and move to overtime. Jones reported that Elway avoided the question if he would have wanted to take a shot if he was the quarterback.

The "jugular" reference sticks with us the most. If there is ever a time to get aggressive, to go for the jugular, isn't it in the playoffs with everything on the line? Fox coached scared and might have ended up on the wrong side of an instant classic because of it.